As part of the brand marketing team, I assist the TESTED For Life in Canada team. The TESTED program has a panel of 15,000 Canadian testers who test, review and rate Canadian Tire's vast selection of products. If a product meets the requirements it receives the TESTED badge indicating that the product has been approved by Canadians like you. My role was to assist in conducting the testing process by screening potential testers, tracking and shipping products, conducting follow up surveys and collecting and analyzing results. Additionally, I helped in developing marketing collateral, as well as, conduct research on consumers understanding of the TESTED program.
This experience has provided me insight into being a professional marketer for an organization. I saw how my team works conjointly to efficiently and effectively operate an initiative. I was a part of the team and treated as an equal, therefore I gained first-hand skills it requires to work in a position like this. Lastly, my experience with CT has provided me with an iconic and reputable brand on my resume which would help me stand out for future opportunities.
This experience has prepared me for the real world by not only giving me the chance to work in a professional marketing position but also allowing me to experience moving and living in Toronto. I met many new people, learned the Toronto metro system and participated in a variety of other things that a big city has to offer. This co-op placement has truly taught me to be adaptable with work and living. (View the Co-op, Career & Employment Services video about Get Outta Town.)
For me, I made a list of priorities that I wanted to get out of my co-op experience. This was to work in a marketing position, branch out of the Windsor area, work for a company that interested me (Whether being an exciting start-up or a reputable brand). Once I had established the work experience I was searching for I worked on tailoring and applying to only positions that would meet most if not all of these requirements. This process did take longer as I would say I was more picky in choosing what to apply for, although with patience and persistence it all worked out. So to other students, I would recommend that they figure out what they want out of their co-op experience and work hard on making yourself a strong candidate for those priorities. Know that the process of landing a position might take longer, but with patience and time customizing your applications, it is possible. Once you've got the position, I think it is all about getting involved. Find anything that interests you and see if you can participate, learn and contribute. During my time with Canadian Tire, I was a part of the TESTED team, co-op social committee, User Experience research crew and a Jumpstart volunteer. This allowed me to network with many talented people as well as to gain a variety of experience and leave a positive impression.
Name: Joel Guerin
Program: Business Administration Co-op
Working at: Canadian Tire Corporation
Role: Brand Marketing Co-ordinator Co-op